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beth • July 08, 2011 • 83 Comments

Come Right On In, Fellow Q-Bies!

Welcome to Generation Q Magazine, the new blogzine and online source of fun, information and inspiration for those who love the modern and contemporary vibe in quilting, sewing and crafting.

GenQ has been in the birth canal for, oh, more than a year, back when we (GenQ editors Jake Finch, Melissa Thompson Maher and Megan Dougherty) first snapped to the excitement and allure of the modern movement. Most of the quilty magazine community saw mods as a fun, but contained, niche in a quilting world rich with diversity, but we just knew there was more going on than bold, graphic quilts with a lot of solids and wonky cuts, and we wanted to play, too!

This creative, youthful quilting community—literally, the Generation Q—is just humming with ideas, energy and enthusiasm for using needle and thread to define, enhance and embellish life. Fueled by a fresh, no-rules approach to quilting, crafting and stitching, this growing world of stitchers brings a surge of new vitality to a q-universe where the average age of a quilter is supposed to be 62. (And can we just say “thank you” for busting that age stereotype thing wide open?)

It’s not just about the mods, though. Contemporary quilters, those we loosely define as eclectic in style and ability, casual in communication and deeply appreciative of fun and creativity, are as much a part of what GenQ is about. This is so not about our ages. Being Generation Q is about living the life we love. (Did you see our tagline? “Quilt. Sew. Live. Breathe.” Says it all, we think.)

Generation Q Magazine will explore the people, fabrics, designers and trends that give this mod/contemporary movement its signature stitchy style. We’ll be a storehouse of inspiration and information for the drool-worthy stuff we all love most about quilting and sewing. Guest bloggers will check in regularly and there’ll be features covering all aspects of the q-life. Patterns and projects? Of course, but oh, so much more as well!

And we’ll be a community for expression and discovery. Sure, we’ll nod at the rules, but instead of invoking some Quilt Police-ish mantra, we’ll offer just-the-facts tutorials so we can all build our stitchy skills together. We’ll take every opportunity to laugh—and make you laugh right along with us! And because we revel in extending creativity to every facet of daily life, we’ll dig out and serve up the lifestyle information that feeds this hunger. We’ll also build up the community facet of GenQ with source lists and links to other blogs, charity efforts, contests, shows and more—anything of interest to you and us.

So, the fun starts today! Generation Q Magazine will publish weekdays, five days a week.  Every Sunday, we’ll post a sneak peek at the week to come, sort of a menu of the delicious bits we’ll be serving. Since this is the debut, we didn’t get to the menu yesterday. (We were too busy trying to figure out how to post things!) So now we’ll tell you that tomorrow is our first, too-cool project flying your way, a delightful little wall quilt, Two Buds, by Elaine Wong Haselhuhn. Elaine is a member of the Modern Quilt Guild Milwaukee, and this is her first (of many we’re sure) official design publication. Thanks for playing with us, Elaine!

As we grow, there will be more treats for you to enjoy. Being the Shameless Promo Hos we are, all we ask is that you spread the word about GenQ. The more people who play with us, the faster we can grow. So sell us, baby! Make us yours. We’re up for the task. And all feedback is completely welcome.

Quilt On!

Jake, Melissa and Megan

P.S. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and “like” us. Just go to www.facebook.generationqmagazine.com. We’re also on twitter. Look for @GenQMag.

P.P.S: And we also, in the interest of Shameless Promo Ho activities, have established a Zazzle store with pretty little things featuring our new badge. Come see if it’s worth parting with some of your green to tell the world, “I am GenQ” at http://www.zazzle.com/generationqmagazine.

Now, we couldn’t just leave you without a little something to celebrate the new generation of creative stitchers. So we tapped our talents and came up with the following, a very special cocktail just for…all of us! Raise your fave goblet high, sing out the toast written by our Dear Megan below and knock back this incredible GenQ Piecemaker in honor of our wonderfully insane fiber life!

 

GenQ Inaugural Toast

Here’s to the quilters,

the sewists and stitchers,

whose comments and emails

make our blog that much richer.

 

We’re toasting to you

for without you we’re nothing

but three lonely old broads

(and one guy-type stud muffin).

 

Here’s to the quilts

that we cannot stop sewing.

Here’s to the stash

that, oh yes, is still growing.

 

Here’s to our Singers,

Berninas and Pfaffs.

Here’s to our jones

For fabric-based crafts.

 

Here’s to new ventures,

to friends old and new.

Here’s to the future.

‘Cuz we are GenQ!

 

GenQ Piecemaker Cocktail


5 ounces Godiva chocolate liqueur

1 ounce vanilla-flavored vodka

8 ounces sweet champagne *

In shaker, combine Godiva liqueur and vanilla vodka. Divide between two glasses. Add champagne to glasses slowly. It will bubble up nicely. Garnish with chunk of chocolate partially   slit** and placed on glass rims. Serves 2.

*A wonderful substitute for sweet champagne is almond champagne, which offers just a bit more sweetness.

**Chocolate would have shown up in finished photo if our non-professional food stylist had been able to accomplish adequately that very same slit we’re asking of you. Go ahead—rub it in. And then send us a picture of your perfectly perched chocolate chunk and we’ll make you Cocktail Goddess of the Week. We’re not sure yet what you’ll get for the title, but we’ll think of something…

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Categories Nosh & Slosh (recipes) Notions (opinion)

83 Comments

  • Jacquie • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #1

    I’m making my cocktail and toasting you right back! Cheers to GenerationQ!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks Jacquie! And for the tweets this morning as well.

  • Linni • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #2

    Yay its up and going. Gotta love a website that offers poetry, quiltystuff and a chocolate cocktail!!! Congratulations to you all, can’t wait to see what’s coming tomorrow. Woohoo!!!!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks Linni! Glad you’re here with us!

  • Rebecca Merry • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #3

    Congrats to you all! I’ll be cheering from my couch!! Can’t wait to see what comes!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Couch Rebecca? Are you under the weather today? Do we need to secure a Cabana Boy for you?

      • Sherry Lidgard • 13 years ago
        COMMENT #

        Y’all got cabana boys?? Sign me up for one!!

  • martha paluses • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #4

    heat the knife before trying to make a slit in the chocolate for your GenQ Piecemaker Cocktail (which sounds absolutely delicious)
    Congrats on getting out your first issue 🙂

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      It was pretty darned good, I’ll say. Warm knife huh? Guess I’ll have to slog my way back to the kitchen and make sure that tip works. 🙂

  • Lois Grebowski • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #5

    Yay to y’all for getting the excitement going! Woo hoo! I’m anxiously awaiting future posts!

    P.S. Love the cheeky bios…

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks for checking in Lois. All we know is cheeky.

  • liberty • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #6

    Hooray for Generation Q!!!!!
    I checked in first thing this am! tweeting and blogging now!

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thank you, thank you for tweets and posts and all the q-love!

  • April Rosenthal • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #7

    Eager to see what great things you come up with. Congratulations on your new endeavor!
    xoxo
    April

  • Susan • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #8

    Congratulations on the first post, Generation Q!

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks, Susan!

  • Patricia Price • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #9

    Congrats!! Just subscribed because I can’t wait to see what you crazy kids are up to!!!

  • Anne Wiens • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #10

    Chocolate cocktails….sewing machines….scissors….rotary cutters…..

    Someone lay in a supply of Band-Aids, please!

    :0)

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      That’s why somebody’s gotta be the Designated Stitcher!

  • Dale Anne Potter • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #11

    Looking forward to this!! THANKS for taking the plunge!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thank YOU Dale for swimming with us! We’re gonna have fun, I tell you! For those who don’t know, Dale is an awesome art quilter/fiber artist. We’re honored to have her playing with us.

  • Pam • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #12

    love watching you grow with your new venture!! ;0)

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks Pam! You’ve been with us from the beginning, and we’re so happy for it!

  • P. • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #13

    Congratulations on the new ventur! Awesome job on the header, Megan. Cheers!

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Why, thank you. I have to say I am pretty darned proud of it.

  • Bonnie P • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #14

    Congratulations on the new ‘mag’. Looking forward to all that’s yet to come. : )

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks for your endless support Bonnie! You just rock!!

  • Roniquilts2 • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #15

    Congrats on this new venture!!! I look forward to seeing the great projects and what you all will be showing us!!!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Not just projects, Roniquilts2, but plenty of fun facts and endearing profiles into what makes us tick! Stick with us. You won’t get bored!

  • P. • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #16

    (I can spell venture. The delete key must have gotten in the way. Sheesh.)

  • Jen • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #17

    Congrats on launching the site! I posted the link on my FB page for all my quilt friends to check out. I’m looking forward to reading this site.

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      And that Jen is why you are awesome! You could become an honorary Shameless PromoHo too! Think about it…

  • Maureen Banks • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #18

    Congratulations on your new venture! I know that I’ll be eagerly awaiting it each and every day!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      And we will love hearing from you as much as you want to share. Thanks Maureen!

  • Eliste • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #19

    I’m so stoked for this. Ya’ll had better keep your promise on that daily thing or I’ll get cross and pouty. PS-Megan you need a real picture! We need to bask in your glory!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Well, just remember that we’re talking WEEKDAYS! Even we Quilt Hags need a weekend with the family. And Megan has promised us a real picture, so keep her to it!

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      You know not what you ask of me. What you call my “glory” is bad skin and a double chin. Definitely Not Safe For Work. Or home. Or anywhere else. And yes, I know I promised, but – LOOK! A PUPPY!

      • jake • 13 years ago
        COMMENT #

        Don’t believe it, Eliste. I’ve seen her in real life and she’s wonderful and gorgeous. And I haven’t even had my cocktail yet today and I say that.

  • Littlebook • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #20

    I love everything about this. Everything. It makes me want to make a margarita and toast you guys right now. (Even though it isn’t noon yet here and I’m at home because I’ve had my eyes dilated and everything is freakishly bright and blurry – maybe one of your chocolate drinks will help.) Congratulations to you all and I am so so happy you are here.

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      We’re happy to be here too and so glad to have you here with us!

  • BonnieB • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #21

    WOW! what fun! This is going to be GREAT !! Tons of sharing and practical ideas !!!! Cocktails are practical , you know! Thanks!!!!

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Cocktails are not just practical – they’re essential!

  • Kelly Smith • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #22

    Okay, commenting here for a chance to win a prize on Facebook. (Could you make it more confusing? ;)) Kidding. Love you guys!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Nope. Couldn’t make it more confusing if we tried. Should have seen how confused we were last night trying to figure this all out But we have some awesome slaves and they’ve earned their keep this week! Thanks for playing Kelly!

  • Kathryn • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #23

    Sounds like a great cocktail to me, but after a few of those, I wouldn’t be able to sew straight!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      That’s why we all need a Designated Stitcher, Kathryn. So, no imbibing ’til you’re done with your sewing, girl. We like your fingers!

  • Rashida • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #24

    Wooooot! Welcome to the World GenQ! ^_~

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thank you Rashida! Hey guys, take note: Rashida will be playing with us very soon. If you heart linen, Rashida is YOUR gal!

  • Judy • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #25

    Congratulations on the new venture! I love Quilting Art and would love to win the calendar too!

  • Lisa Redmond • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #26

    Any excuse to open a bottle of champagne… 🙂

    Happy Launch Day!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thank you Lisa! And that’s just what we did last night. Next time I’m bringing it to Guild.

  • Thomas • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #27

    Congratulations on being up and running!!! Can’t wait to see what you all have cooked up. Hooray!!!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Don’t forget to remind me Thomas about your fabs…

  • karen • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #28

    Congratulations!! Quilting, humor and alcohol what more can you ask for!!

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Alexander Skarsgard. I ask for that a lot 🙂

  • Melissa • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #29

    Oh, I am SO looking forward to this! I think we can all benefit from learning new techniques and seeing new designs. Inspiration, education, encouragement, friendship, fellowship, creativity…love it! 🙂 I’ll mention you guys at our MQG meeting tonight and hopefully drive more traffic your way.

    BEST OF LUCK with your new venture. 🙂

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks Melissa. Every BODY counts here. The more who visit, the faster we can grow. Which guild are you in?

  • Andi • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #30

    So excited about this! The Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild has been talking about your presence for awhile now, so we’re excited the ball is rolling!!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks Andi, Glad to have you be part of the madness.

  • KimsCraftyApple • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #31

    I’m so glad I found you! I look forward to seeing what this grows into!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Kim, your Project QUILTING is awesome. I might just have to do it myself!!

  • Candi • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #32

    So glad to see GenerationQ up and running. Looking forward to reading all the posts and cant wait to spend a few dollars!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Hang in there Candi. Might be a few weeks until we’re ripping the bucks from you, but we’ll keep you smiling until then!

  • Marla • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #33

    Congratulations! Your magazine is looking great!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Thanks Marla!

  • rita • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #34

    Great news that you’re doing an online quilting magazine. I don’t have time to read all the comments, so I don’t know if I’m the first to suggest this but, before too many people get a copy of the button, re-issue a .gif version so that the white around it ends up transparent. If one’s background colour isn’t white, the button doesn’t look too cool. Other than that, cute poem, and I’m looking forward to what you’re all gonna do…

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Good suggestion and we will definitely get right on that. Just as soon as we figure out how. 😉

  • Lisa • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #35

    Congrats on the new website, as well as the new adventure! Nice, clean design! Have a great evening!!!

  • Lisa K • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #36

    Congrats! I’m loving this already!

  • Rose Leschinsky • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #37

    How exciting is this! I going along for the ride. Congratulations!

  • Dianne • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #38

    Congratulations! I see already that we can look forward to more of your cheeky and irreverant humour! So happy you are here. Did you bring the posse along for the ride?

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Hi Dianne: Of course the Posse will be here, but must be renamed. We’re been kicking around some ideas. GenQ-Crew, The Troops are two that come to a sleepy mind. We’re open for other ideas as well…

  • quiltzyx/sue • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #39

    WOOOooooOOOOooooOOOoHOOOOoooOOOooOoOOOO!!!!
    GenQ is on itsway
    I, for one
    am here to stay!

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Hi Sue! Glad you’re here. What took you all day, girlfriend? Hugs, Jake

  • Amy - Amy's Creative Side • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #40

    Yummy cocktail! Must get ingredients soon – cheers! I’m so excited to see all that you have in store here 🙂 Congrats!! ps – I’m honored to be in your blogroll ; )

  • Linda M Poole • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #41

    Love the new zazzle shop…just was a wondering if there is such thing as a GenQ+
    Love you guys,
    Linda

    • megan • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      I’ll look into it, Linda. Getting the right products is on my list and I’ve had a request for v-necks as well.

  • Kristy • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #42

    I’m the President of the St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild, and a member sent me to your site. Can’t wait to see where this all leads, it’s looking good so far.

  • Frances Quigley • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #43

    Love this site.

  • Teri Young • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #44

    Three cheers to GenQ

    For the recipes, reviews,

    And such a fun venue

    To get our quilt news!!

  • Jacquie Scuitto • 13 years ago
    COMMENT #45

    Looks like you may have a winner here, kids — and fun for an old broad like me!

    I’ll be back …

    • jake • 13 years ago
      COMMENT #

      Oh, Jacquie, you ain’t old! And did you see that we reviewed your book with Ann in the last issue of Quilter’s Home? Hope you did. We love the book. Thanks for your support. Jake

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